Dnipro mayor threatens UOC with blocked temple doors and dug-up roads

Dnipro Mayor Boris Filatov. Photo: dniprorada.gov.ua

Dnipro Mayor Boris Filatov warned the clergy of the Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy of the UOC that if they want to "risk the health of people" at Easter, then the city authorities will ensure that they receive "a full range of measures" – including water and electricity cut-offs, "blocked doors and dug-up roads". The mayor wrote about this on his Facebook page on April 14, 2020.

“In addition to fines from the police and criminal cases, you will receive a full range of measures from the city government, tried on drinking outlets and metal reception points,” Filatov addressed the clergymen who “did not hear” the opinion of the city authorities regarding Easter services. “Do you want to sit without water and light, with doors blocked and roads dug up?” We will provide all this for you. Also, wait for the termination of land documents and any permits for reconstruction.”

He noted that "we have not been arguing with all these years <...> but if you want to risk the health of people, then do not be offended".

“I honestly warn you. And no one will help you. Neither my excellent relations with Bishop Irinej, nor the deputy lobby, nor the Lord God himself,” Boris Filatov stressed.

As reported earlier, the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations suggested the authorities ways to protect the rights of believers during the quarantine period.

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